"Warning sign": Support for democracy declining, survey shows - Berlin's Faith in Democracy Hits a Five-Year Low as Authoritarian Views Rise

A new survey reveals a shift in political attitudes among Berlin's residents. Support for democracy in the city has dropped to its lowest level since 2019. Meanwhile, a growing number of people are open to undemocratic alternatives, including strongman rule or single-party governance.

Only 86% of Berliners now back democracy as the best form of government. This marks a clear decline in support for democratic values over recent years. Satisfaction with the current system is also low, with just 62% expressing approval.

The survey highlights a notable openness to authoritarian ideas. Four in ten Berliners would consider undemocratic options, such as a strong leader or a one-party state. Specifically, 17.6% favour a powerful individual in charge, while 27.9% believe Germany needs a single dominant party to unite the nation.

Anti-immigrant and chauvinistic views are also present. Nearly a third—30.7%—think Germany is dangerously overrun by foreigners. A further 24.4% display chauvinistic attitudes, and 12.4% hold antisemitic beliefs, claiming Jews use underhanded tactics to succeed. A smaller but significant group, 8.7%, even supports a far-right authoritarian dictatorship.

The findings suggest a broader trend of disillusionment with democracy in the capital. However, no comparable data exists to show how Berlin's attitudes differ from other German states over the same period.

The survey paints a picture of declining democratic support in Berlin. With only 62% satisfied with the current system and 40% open to undemocratic rule, the results point to a city increasingly questioning its political future. The presence of authoritarian, chauvinistic, and antisemitic views further underscores the complexity of Berlin's shifting attitudes.